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Databases · MCP server

DataLink: MCP server, setup and security

DataLink is an open-source MCP server that lets an AI agent query databases securely with parameterized statements and inspect their schemas. Its repository has 5 stars and its last commit is from October 22, 2026 and it is licensed under MIT.

Actively maintainedNeeds secrets

What DataLink does

According to its repository: “Secure access to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite databases with parameterized queries and schema inspection.”

An MCP server gives an AI agent extra tools it calls during the conversation: the agent reads their description, decides to use them and gets the result back. DataLink is listed under Databases, a category of 138 servers in the directory, where it ranks #132 by stars.

Topics declared by the repository: database, mysql, postgresql, sqlite.

Installing and connecting DataLink

Distribution modes declared in the official MCP registry:

  • npm package (Node.js, usually started with npx)

Like any MCP server, you declare it in your client's configuration (Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, Codex…): a name, the command that starts it or its URL, and any environment variables. The client then starts it and lists its tools. Project language: TypeScript.

The registry lists one secret variable to provide (API key, access token). Keep them in the client's environment variables, never in a shared file or a repository.

Security: what to check

An MCP server runs code with the rights you give it, and the model reads its tool descriptions: a malicious or compromised server can hijack the agent. Read the code, or pick a maintained and widely used server, before connecting it.

Points found for DataLink:

  • Secrets: the server acts with your credentials. Create a dedicated key with minimum rights and an expiry date.

Good practice: grant only the rights needed (least privilege), require human approval for irreversible actions, and run the AI agent security check.

Project activity and maintenance

Created on January 2, 2026, the pilat/mcp-datalink repository has 5 stars and 2 forks, with 1 open issues. It has more stars than 13% of the servers in the directory. It received changes this month. Version published in the registry: 1.2.4 (January 4, 2026).

Stars measure attention, not quality: a recent, heavily promoted project can collect them fast, while a useful but niche server will have few.

DbxDbx : 27.7K27.7KMCP Toolbox for DatabasesMCP Toolbox for Databases : 16.7K16.7KNhostNhost : 9.4K9.4KJitsuJitsu : 5.1K5.1KPostgres MCP (crystaldba)Postgres MCP (crystaldba) : 3.4K3.4KLINQ to DBLINQ to DB : 3.3K3.3KSupabaseSupabase : 3K3KMindwtrMindwtr : 2.3K2.3KDataLinkDataLink : 55
GitHub stars of the most followed servers in the category (log scale); DataLink in orange. Checked October 25, 2026.

Verdict

DataLink is a reasonable choice; check the points below before connecting it.

Strengths

  • Active project: recent commit
  • Listed in the official MCP registry
  • Permissive licence (MIT)

Limitations

  • Requires an API key or token
  • Few visible users

Avoid if…

  • You do not want to give credentials to an agent

Frequently asked questions

How do I install DataLink?

DataLink is distributed as npm package (Node.js, usually started with npx). Add it to your client's MCP configuration (Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code…) following the README of pilat/mcp-datalink.

Is DataLink free?

The code is published under the MIT licence and can be used free of charge. It needs an API key: the service it connects to may be paid.

Is DataLink safe?

Points to watch: secrets. Give it minimum rights and approve sensitive actions.

Is it an official server?

Nothing says so: it is a project published by pilat on GitHub. Check who maintains it before giving it access.

What are the alternatives to DataLink?

In the same category: Nhost, ArcadeDB MCP Server, Jitsu, and Supabase. Nhost and ArcadeDB MCP Server score higher on our grid.

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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score